Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong would be a “fantastic signing” for Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils.
The incoming Ajax boss is expected to make the acquisition of a new central midfielder his key priority when he moves to the red side of Manchester. The imminent departures of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata looks set to leave a gaping hole in the middle of the park for the Red Devils.
De Jong was an essential part of Ten Hag’s Ajax team which was seconds away from reaching the 2019 Champions League final. But while Daily Star Sport understands De Jong is expected to snub any approach from the Reds, Ferdinand believes United need to do everything they can to sway the Dutchman over to Old Trafford.
“He doesn’t get too many goals or assists but he gives you many more elements of the game that, I think United need as a team; especially in that position,” Ferdinand said on FIVE.
“United are definitely losing Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, and Juan Mata, they are all leaving in that position, so it does need reinforcement. And I think he would be a fantastic signing, if this deal goes ahead.”
United have been linked with the likes of Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips, Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco, and Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund. All potential options will likely require a sizable investment from a side who could be in need of up to “ten new signings” according to current interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
If Manchester United cannot sign Frenkie de Jong, who do you think they should target? Let us know in the comments section below
But whether there is such an outlay or not at the club this season, a new, exciting central midfielder should be of paramount importance, according to Rio Ferdinand.
“I think the excitement of new midfielders, when they come to United, is big for the club,” Ferdinand added. “Everyone gets behind it, it’s the engine room.
“To add someone like that to Bruno, backing someone like that up, I think they may go again in that area. But we will see.”
Source: Read Full Article